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This project aims to develop protocols to assess the uncertainty associated with intake estimates, using a modification of measurement uncertainty (MU) methodology.
European Union legislation requires that each Member State monitors the daily intake for food additives consumed by individuals in the population. To estimate intake, intermediate parameters such as the level of the additive in commercially available foods, the amount of these foods consumed by the consumers and the average bodyweight for the population being considered are determined. <p>The estimated values of these parameters are then combined to yield an estimated daily intake (EDI). Currently, the EDI is reported as a point estimate (single number). However, this fails to take into account the uncertainties in the intermediate values and the assumptions made when combining them. There is, however, a need for a methodology that may be used to give the likely range for the EDI and highlight areas where the component uncertainties are excessively large.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.